Harare, (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe government is committed to improving the quality of products in the market by intensifying the fight against illicit goods, smuggling, and counterfeit products, a senior official has said.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Dr Thomas Utete Wushe, said this on Friday during the Shipping and Forwarding Agents Association of Zimbabwe (SFAAZ) graduation ceremony held in Harare.
The graduation ceremony brought together key stakeholders in the transport and logistics sector and focused on developing skills and professionalism in customs, freight forwarding, and logistics as part of an ongoing effort to enhance the capacity of the country to become a regional transport and logistics hub.
“The number one threat we are facing at the moment is illicit products, fake products, and smuggled goods. All of you here who are graduating have a role in helping us stop this disease that is threatening not only our country but the region as a whole,” said Wushe.
A total of 190 students graduated with qualifications in Customs Legislation and Procedures (CLP) Diplomas and Freight Forwarding Practice (FFP) diplomas, having completed training through the SFAAZ.
The graduates came from Mutare, Beitbridge, and Harare, representing a wide geographical spread of the transport and logistics sector.
“The Ministry of Industry and Commerce with other ministries, departments and agencies are here to stop smuggling. We are also very much in improving the quality of our products,” Wushe said.
Government officials, representatives from academic institutions, and key players in the transport and logistics industry attended the graduation ceremony, whose qualifications are designed for professionals involved in customs clearance, supply chain management, import and export logistics, and trade compliance.
The Ministry recently emphasized enhancing regional cooperation to combat counterfeit products in the country, inspecting over 1 400 businesses, seized over 2 000 noncompliant product units, and set up consumer complaint hotlines in all 10 provinces.
Counterfeit goods, often from backyard industries or smuggled from neighbors, hurt local industries and endanger consumers.
Dr Wushe praised the collaboration between his Ministry and the private sector, particularly through the SFAAZ, citing a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening skills development, industrial growth, and trade facilitation.
He encouraged the graduates to remain committed to integrity and professionalism, stressing that their contribution will be vital in shaping the future of trade and industry in the country.
The event marked an important milestone for SFAAZ, as it continues its mandate to train, certify, and empower transport and logistics professionals to support economic development and trade efficiency across Zimbabwe and beyond.
New Ziana
